Bilingual, Digital, Audio-Visual Training Modules Improve Technical Knowledge of Feedlot and Dairy Workers By: Dr. C.D. Reinhardt, Kansas State University, Dr. D.U. Thomson, Kansas State University, Dr. D.D. Retzlaff, Kansas State University, Dr. B. Butler, Kansas State University, Jose Valles, Production Animal Consultation Reprinted with permission from The Online Journal of Rural Research and Policy, Vol. 5, Issue 7. Abstract Two studies were conducted to determine the effectiveness of digital multimedia modules as training tools for animal care workers. Employees at a commercial feedlot (n = 17) and a commercial dairy (n = 10) were asked to independently complete a 10-question quiz prior to and following viewing of training modules. Module topics in the feedlot were proper handling of non-ambulatory animals and humane methods of euthanasia; modules were administered to the workers, as a group, in either English (n = 7) or Spanish (N = 10), depending on previously indicated worker preference. Modules addressing dairy cattle health practices and dairy cattle handling were presented to the dairy care workers who had a preference for learning in either English (n = 7) or Spanish (n = 3). For feedlot workers, post-test scores were improved by 28% after viewing the modules compared to pre-test scores (74% vs. 58%; P < 0.01), across language and topic. There were no interactions (P > 0.30) between language, topic, and between-test variation, indicating that the modules were equally effective at information delivery to both audiences in both languages. For the dairy workers, test scores improved by 27% from pre-viewing to post-viewing (73% vs. 92%; P < 0.01); there was an interaction between the effect of module and language preference (P< 0.01) indicating that although scores increased for both of the topic areas for the English-speaking workers, only the score for the animal health topic increased for the Spanish-speaking workers. Regardless of nationality, level of formal education, topic, or preferred language, digital media are effective at improving knowledge transfer to animal care professionals. Introduction The animal agriculture industries are currently experiencing tremendous change in the demographic makeup of the workforce. Immigrants make up 41% of hired labor on dairies across the U.S.,1 and 71% of hired labor on large (>1,200 cows) Wisconsin dairies are Latin American immigrants2, of the immigrants currently working throughout agriculture, 90% have less than a secondary education.3 Although the presence of immigrant, non-English-speaking workers is not new to animal agriculture, the need for rapid, effective, adoption of modern vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and humane animal practices is perhaps more critical than ever before.4, 5 Although the concept of incorporating digital media as the primary method of introductory information delivery in commercial animal agriculture is novel, digital multimedia technologies are and will continue to be a significant method of information delivery in the public educational arena. As of 2005 57% of students surveyed were using the internet regularly for school or training purposes.6 The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of digital, multi-media modules, in both English and Spanish, on improving knowledge in various topic areas, in commercial feedlots and dairies. Materials and Methods Modules were developed describing proper handling of non-ambulatory animals, proper methods of euthanasia, dairy cattle health practices, and dairy cattle handling. The modules contained still photographs, video, illustrations, audio narration, and text and were translated from English to Spanish by native Spanish-speakers from Mexico and Peru.
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